Advika's pov-

Sleep escapes me. I just sit out on the balcony, lost in memories of that night.

I checked the time. It was 6 in the morning. I quietly made my way downstairs to make myself a coffee. But as I stepped into the kitchen, I saw Dadi was already up, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning, Dadi" I said with a soft smile.

"Good morning, love. Do you need anything?" she asked, glancing up from the stove.

"I just wanted some coffee, nothing important" I said.

"You go sit down, dear. I’ll make it for you" she offered kindly.

"No, Dadi, it’s okay. I’ll make it myself don’t worry" I replied with a smile.

I went to the fridge and grabbed the milk

"Dadi, do you have the keys to our house in Mumbai?" I asked.

Dadi looked at me for a moment and then answered, "No, I don't have the keys.”

What? Then where are the keys? Did she sell the house? No... no, she can’t

“Then... who has the keys?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

“Your father’s best friend, Shekhar Singhania. He had the keys" she replied.

“Oh, okay" I said quietly.

"Why do you ask?" Dadi asked, eyeing me curiously.

“Actually, I’m leaving for Mumbai tomorrow" I said, avoiding her gaze.

I knew she wouldn’t take it well.

“Why?” she asked

"You already know why, Dadi.”

“ Bchee tujhe kitni baar smjahaya hai mene ki yeh zidd chorr de”

“ Dadii vo parents the mere..Apko bhi pta hai ki mein ek criminal lawyer sirf us ek insaan ko jail bhejne ke lie bni”

“Beta vo ek normal insaan nhi hai or yeh tumhe bhi pta h”

“Dadi at least let me try”

“But it's risky I can't-

I cut her off by saying

“Dadii please just trust me for once. I promise I'll take care of myself”

“Okeyy but please be careful”

“I'll dadiii now don't be sad okey”

She nodded

I made coffee for myself and went back to my room.

How will I get Mr. Singhania's number? I wondered. I don’t even know any of Dad’s friends.

Suddenly, something clicked in my mind. I rushed to the almirah and began searching through it frantically.

After ten minutes of digging through old files and papers, I finally found it.

My dad's dairy

Please let this be it, I thought.

I clutched the old diary and sat on my bed, turning its fragile pages carefully.

My eyes scanned every number, every scribbled note, desperate to find his name.

Then I saw it Mr. Shekhar Singhania.

My fingers trembled as I dialed the number.

It rang once. Then twice.

On the third ring, someone answered.

“Hello," he said. His voice was deep calm, steady, and carried the kind of weight that made people listen.

"Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Singhania?" I asked.

"Yes, you are" he replied.

"Oh, actually… I’m Advika, the daughter of Rahul Sharma."

There was a brief silence. A few seconds stretched longer than they should have.

Then finally, he spoke.

"Really? Oh God... it's been so long. How are you, my child?"

"I’m good, Uncle" I replied with a small smile and continue

"Actually, I’m coming to Mumbai tomorrow, and I wanted to ask do you still have the keys to our house?" I asked

"Oh, that’s such great news, beta! And yes, I still have the keys" he said, his voice filled with genuine affection.

"Thank you so much, Uncle. I’ll come and collect them once I’m in Mumbai. Could you please text me your address?"

"Of course, beta" he replied with a soft chuckle.

A moment later, the call ended, leaving a strange mix of comfort and nerves in my chest.

I spent the evening packing and went to bed early because I'll leave for Mumbai at 6 AM in the morning . Before closing my eyes, I made sure to set an alarm.

At exactly 5 AM, the alarm buzzed. I got up, freshened up with my skincare routine, then stepped into a warm, calming shower.

After drying off, I slipped into a sharp black notched-lapel belted blazer and trousers set.

I styled my hair neatly, wore my watch, a pair of black bellies, spritzed on my favorite perfume, and made my way downstairs ready for the journey ahead.

"Oh my goodness, my little princess is looking so beautiful" Dadi said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Dadi" I replied, blushing slightly.

She walked in with breakfast in her hands and placed it gently on the dining table.

I sat down and started eating when Dadi suddenly asked

“Are you sure?”

“Yes dadii 100 percent sure”

After finishing my breakfast, I went over and hugged her tightly.

"Okay, Dadi, I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself… and don’t forget to take your meds, okay?" I said, holding her hands gently.

"Okay, bachha. I’ll miss you" she replied, her eyes glistening just a little.

"I’ll miss you too, Dadi" I whispered, then turned and made my way toward the car.

I opened the door, slid into the driver’s seat, and let out a deep breath before starting the engine.

With one last glance at the house, I began my journey toward Mumbai. It would take around three to four hours to reach.

I just hope everything goes the way I want it to